What is Prosciutto Cotto?

Translated simply as “ham” from Italian, prosciutto is a quintessential cured meat that has become one of the country’s biggest gourmet exports. Prosciutto di Parma is one of the most well-known types of Italian cured hams, while prosciutto cotto is a relatively new variety. Both are made from the hind legs of pigs, but what makes prosciutto cotto different is the production method; Prosciutto cotto is cooked while prosciutto crudo is dry-cured and aged. Using premium quality pig legs, the meat is massaged with traditional pork flavorings like salt, pepper, bay leaves, and juniper, and slowly steam cooked at 70°C. The process gives this cured meat the perfect amount of moisture and tenderness along with briny, slightly sweet flavors.

What can I make with Prosciutto Cotto?

Paper thin slices of prosciutto cotto can also be artfully arranged into the shape of a flower and accented with small pieces of bread or toast points, grapes, strawberries, and gourmet cheese as part of an upscale antipasto platter. One of the most popular uses of prosciutto cotto is a ham and cheese sandwich, which can be enhanced with mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and tangy cornichons. This cured meat can also be diced into small pieces and used as a flavorful pizza topping.